However, all seven actors to have played Bond since the film franchise began in 1962 have been white men.

“These films tend to reflect the times so we always try to push the envelope a little bit,” Broccoli told the Daily Mail when asked whether a black or female actor could lead the franchise. “Anything is possible. Right now it’s Daniel Craig, and I’m very happy with Daniel Craig, but who knows what the future will bring?”

Daniel Craig joined the Bond franchise in 2006 with Casino Royale and followed it with Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).

Though it had been thought that Spectre could be his Bond swansong, it was confirmed earlier this year that Craig would in fact be returning in 2019 for the 25th Bond film.

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Happy Valley and McMafia actor James Norton has since been linked to the iconic role, and said earlier this month: “It’s lovely, wonderful and complimentary to be involved in that conversation but it’s just a rumour mill and that’s as far as it goes.”